Candace Nelson ’96 Introduces the Cupcake ATM

Candace Nelson ’96, founder and owner of the cupcake bakery Sprinkles—and a featured judge on the Food Network’s Cupcake Wars—is introducing a new way to satisfy late-night cravings: a cupcake ATM.

“Sprinkles, the Beverly Hills bakery that helped inspire the craze for sweet frosting in snack-size portions, will launch a cupcake dispensing machine at its flagship store.

“Founder and owner Candace Nelson said her company is rolling out the first high-tech vending machine on Tuesday, with three more in the works for New York City by the summer.

“The ATM-like machine features a touchscreen and a robotic arm that pulls the right flavored cupcake from a wall of single-serving boxes inside the store.

“Nelson said the custom-built gadget is in response to demand for increased hours at the popular store.

“‘After dinner people want a cupcake. But we can't be open all night long because of our poor employees. So we'll just stock it fresh before they leave for the evening and it'll be good to go,’ she said.”